How to Write Your Essay for the Pensacola Seville Sertoma Scholarship

Brainstorming Across the Four Buckets

To create a compelling narrative, gather material across four key areas:

• Background: Reflect on your personal history. Consider experiences that shaped your educational journey, such as challenges you’ve overcome or pivotal moments in your life.
• Achievements: List specific accomplishments that showcase your skills and dedication. Include metrics where possible, such as GPA, leadership roles, or community service hours.
• The Gap: Identify what you currently lack in your educational experience and why further study is essential. Explain how this scholarship will bridge that gap.
• Personality: Share humanizing details that reveal your values, interests, and motivations. This could include hobbies, volunteer experiences, or personal anecdotes that illustrate your character.

Creating an Outline

Organize your thoughts into a clear structure. A suggested outline might include:

1. Introduction: Start with a concrete moment that illustrates your journey or aspirations.
2. Body Paragraphs: Dedicate sections to each of the four material buckets. Use specific examples to support your claims.
3. Conclusion: Reflect on how the scholarship will impact your future and reiterate your commitment to making a difference.

Drafting Voice and Style

When writing your essay, use an active voice and focus on clarity. Avoid clichés and general statements. Instead of saying, “I have always been passionate about helping others,” illustrate this with a specific example of a time you made a difference in someone’s life. Ensure each paragraph has a clear main idea and flows logically to the next.

Revision and “So What?”

After drafting, take a step back and ask yourself, “So what?” for each section. What insights have you gained? How do your experiences connect to your goals? Make sure your essay not only tells your story but also reflects on its significance and your future aspirations.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Steer clear of common mistakes:

• Avoid vague statements and empty passion—be specific and provide evidence.
• Don’t rely on passive voice; keep your writing active and engaging.
• Refrain from using clichés or generic openers; start with a unique moment that captures attention.